Keep your pet out of the ER this holiday season
The holiday season is one of togetherness and closeness, and as pets take on a more important role in our lives they are increasingly a big part of the holiday festivities.
During this otherwise joyous season, a few pet dangers are lurking, though. I hope this information from my side of the equation as an emergency and critical care veterinarian helps keep your pet safe during all the fun and avoids dangerous and expensive trips to the pet ER.
I think this time of year holds all sorts of potential for pet mayhem. Chocolate, pies, bones, tinsel “people food”- — all sorts of possibilities for getting into furry trouble! I love the holidays, but we definitely see an uptick in the emergency cases as people start to cook, bake and visit their way towards the New Year
Several imagined (but not all that bad) dangers about the holidays seem to have taken on a life of their own in pet owners’ minds, while some things that actually can present a hazard go overlooked.
Plants:
Seems like some folks think that their pet being anywhere within a three-block radius of a Poinsettia plant (Euphorbia pulcherrima) will cause Mr. Whiskers to spontaneously explode, but you can rest assured that this common sight around the holidays will not usher your pet across the Rainbow Bridge anytime soon. Yes, if eaten in sufficient quantities, the Poinsettia can cause a mild and usually temporary stomach and intestinal upset, but this is more of a risk for your carpet than it is for your pet.
Among plants that can pose a hazard are mistletoe (causes more serious gastrointestinal and potentially heart issues), and lilies (which can cause lethal kidney failure in cats at very small amounts).
Chocolate:
Chocolate is often cited as posing a humongous threat to dogs. I don’t want to advocate feeding any chocolate to dogs, but if your 95-pound Great Pyrenees eats two M and M’s, you’re going to be fine, trust me. It takes quite a bit of milk chocolate to cause problems – somewhere around one pound of chocolate for 30 to 40 pounds of body weight.
Chocolate is often used by people to help heal a broken heart, but in dogs (if they eat enough of it) that’s just what it can cause: The signs of true chocolate poisoning are racing heartbeat, irregular heart rhythm and high blood pressure.
We see many cases in the ER of pets who have eaten a medium amount of chocolate and are just a bit “amped,” but are not really in any danger.
It can present a toxic hazard, though; dark chocolate is worse (it takes far less to cause symptoms) and baking chocolate is even more toxic than dark chocolate. So if you are cooking with chocolate this season, save it for the revelers and not the retrievers!
Food:
I think the biggest “threats to pets” probably come from the same threats to your waistline and chances to fit into your “skinny pants” – FOOD! The holiday season is all about food (yeah – and love and family and all that other stuff, too!) and there’s plenty of it to be had: cookies, roast beast, puddings and more cookies! To you, it may just mean another hour on the stair-stepper, but to your dog (luckily, cats are usually smarter than to overeat during the holiday season) it can cause real problems.
Vomiting and diarrhea are common after eating too much food meant to be served to human guest (the medical term we throw about is “dietary indiscretion”) and this can proceed onto a more serious condition called pancreatitis in some cases. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, the same gland that makes digestive enzymes as well as insulin. So, when the pancreas becomes inflamed, it releases these enzymes and begins digesting itself – this can be very serious, painful and often requires hospitalization.
It is probably a good idea to either keep pets confined during any holiday parties, or make sure guests (especially kids) know not to give treats to your pets. Dogs have been known to drag an entire turkey off the counter when the owner’s back is turned (you know the dog has gotta be thinking: SCORE!!!) so make sure you keep aware of their whereabouts during meal preparation.
If you do want to include your pet in the meal and fun, stick to a bit of lean turkey and low or no-fat veggies (no onions, though – these can cause problems for dogs).
Tinsel:
This stringy, silvery and not-at-all-edible stuff can get all twisted up in the intestinal tract (usually cats — guess that feline smarts only goes so far) and cause real problems. Keep it above cat-level on the tree and consider not using it at all.
Booze:
Boy, I sure feel like a buzzkill! First, I am telling you that chocolate and food are potential no-no’s for pets and now here I am taking all your fun away! Sadly, it is true — don’t get your Doberman drunk this New Year’s. Make sure that all the boozy party leftovers are well out of reach, and no lampshade-wearing guests try to give your Pug a mug of beer! While not as poisonous as some of the other things on this list, no one wants so see a Bassett with a hangover — it’s just too sad to even conceive of!
The Open Door:
People come and go way more during the holidays than other times of year, and all that traffic can lead to plenty of opportunities for escape. We see many pets who make a break for freedom when Uncle Floyd comes a-callin’ with his special tuna surprise! Dogs and cats can dart out the door without anyone even noticing, and there’s a whole big world of hurt just waiting for them out there. Make sure that pets are safely put away when you are expecting guests, and make a nightly head count to make sure that all the furry family members are accounted for before turning in for your visions of sugar plums.
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center also has some great holiday pet safety tips here.
Happy holidays to you and yours! Here’s hoping you have a safe and sane season, and all family members make it through safely, no matter how many legs they have. And that if you see an ER doc like me, it’s socially, not professionally. Written by Dr. Tony Johnson.
From: http://www.petconnection.com/blog/2010/11/08/keep-your-pet-out-of-the-er/
Good info. Lucky me I reach on your website by accident, I bookmarked it. evo egitim
Join the revolution of online gaming – embrace the excitement, embrace us! Lucky cola
Spin to win and enjoy non-stop entertainment! Lucky cola
Firstly, as described above the equine spleen is unlike the human version and serves as a reservoir of oxygen carrying red blood cells in horses, this is but one catalyst of the fight or flight response found in animals of prey priligy precio
368964 905197Very good day! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers? Im kinda paranoid about losing everything Ive worked hard on. Any ideas? 128003
490364 595304Some genuinely good and utilitarian information on this web internet site , likewise I feel the layout has great functions. 102404
540880 530533Having read this I thought it was quite informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this post together. I once once more find myself spending strategy to considerably time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was nonetheless worth it! 732799
704781 170921The electronic cigarette makes use of a battery and a small heating aspect the vaporize the e-liquid. This vapor can then be inhaled and exhaled 51176
818197 368677A weblog like yours should be earning significantly cash from adsense..-., 635437
955754 362964Companion, this internet web site will be fabolous, i merely like it 810627
182399 955468Id need to verify with you here. Which isnt something I often do! I enjoy studying a publish that can make folks believe. Also, thanks for permitting me to remark! 286610
416384 109550I like this internet web site extremely a lot, Its a genuinely nice billet to read and obtain information . 110954
907552 177274Hi! Great post! Please do tell us when I will see a follow up! 146174
461346 876627certainly like your internet website but you want to check the spelling on several of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling difficulties and I find it really troublesome to tell the truth nevertheless I will undoubtedly come back once more. 494123
304851 178701There is noticeably a great deal of funds to comprehend this. I assume you created certain good points in attributes also. 565991
50695 751984Currently genuinely do not stop eating because there is however the decision that you will transform into. Function from your home us rrs often a fad for that who wants to earn money but nonetheless enough time requires most substantial occasions using children and kids goes for as the modern habit. attract abundance 564674
847194 331276This site is my aspiration , quite fantastic pattern and perfect articles . 438143
94494 879175Were glad to become visitor on this pure web site, regards in this rare information! 341337
229746 329533I like this website quite considerably so much superb info . 925008
42598 682043building websites is not only fun, but it can also generate an income for yourself;; 83134
548781 360194Safest messages, or a toasts. are generally launched at one point during the wedding but are likely to just be hilarious, humorous to unusual as properly. best man jokes 918844
811943 572242You designed some decent points there. I looked on the net for any dilemma and located most individuals goes along with together along with your site. 124352
225886 730436Currently it seems like BlogEngine could be the very best blogging platform out there correct now. (from what Ive read) Is that what you are utilizing on your weblog? 106606
743808 775085Hi there, just became aware of your blog via Google, and discovered that its truly informative. Ill be grateful in the event you continue this in future. Lots of individuals will benefit from your writing. Cheers! 997933
234903 741009There a couple of fascinating points more than time here but I dont know if I see them all center to heart. There exists some validity but Let me take hold opinion until I look into it further. Extremely good post , thanks and now we want a lot more! Included with FeedBurner at the same time 822883
313186 990104As a result youll demand ultra powerful online enterprise concepts to keep operating in finding into matters proper your incredible web-based work. MLM 293616
126228 604884Sweet internet site , super style and design , rattling clean and utilize genial . 122032
18174 820815Nice read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he just bought me lunch since I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thank you for lunch! 470719
800323 865326hi!,I like your writing so a whole lot! share we communicate far much more about your post on AOL? I need a specialist on this area to solve my difficulty. May possibly be thats you! Looking forward to see you. 143691
802986 507580You ought to participate in a contest for among the top blogs on the web. I will suggest this web site! 345895
395743 211838some truly intriguing information , effectively written and broadly speaking user genial . 214197
840210 924065I notice there is definitely lots of spam on this weblog. Do you need help cleaning them up? I might help between courses! 621827
Hey there I am so happy I found your blog, I really found you by mistake, while
I was searching on Bing for something else, Anyhow
I am here now and would just like to say thank you
for a remarkable post and a all round exciting blog (I
also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read it all at the moment
but I have saved it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time
I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep up
the fantastic job.
759009 715392Maintain up the excellent function , I read few blog posts on this site and I believe that your web site is real intriguing and has bands of great info . 202196
Somebody essentially lend a hand to make seriously articles I’d
state. This is the first time I frequented your web page and thus far?
I surprised with the research you made to create this particular post
incredible. Wonderful process!
848985 930346Searching forward to move into another hous?! […]Real estate busines is getting more and a lot more less protitable, have a look at why[…] 177673
483124 643743Following study some of the websites together with your internet web site now, i truly as if your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark web site list and will likely be checking back soon. Pls appear at my site likewise and figure out what you believe. 467472
B2C assets, Evoke is continuing to align itself with a
more profitable European-focused strategy, leaving behind
the challenges of the competitive U.S. market.
604152 118915Wow Da weiss man, wo es hingehen muss Viele Grsse Mirta 518625
30973 536105Many thanks for this particular information I was basically browsing all Search engines to discover it! 203652
I truly love your website.. Very nice colors & theme. Did you make this web site yourself?
Please reply back as I’m attempting to create my very own website and want
to learn where you got this from or exactly what the theme is
named. Thank you!
603227 370685Im not that a lot of a internet reader to be honest but your blogs actually good, keep it up! Ill go ahead and bookmark your web site to come back down the road. Cheers 131948
Hi there colleagues, how is all, and what you wish for to say about this piece of writing, in my view its in fact awesome
in support of me.
595519 49376This design is steller! You obviously know how to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (nicely, almostHaHa!) Wonderful job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and a lot more than that, how you presented it. Too cool! 253628
Appreciate the recommendation. Will try it out.
Today, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iPad and tested
to see if it can survive a 40 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has 83 views.
I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone! https://cryptoboss990.top
What’s up to all, it’s in fact a nice for me to go
to see this web site, it contains important Information.
We absolutely love your blog and find nearly all of your post’s to
be what precisely I’m looking for. can you offer guest writers to write content for you personally?
I wouldn’t mind composing a post or elaborating on a lot of the subjects you write concerning here.
Again, awesome weblog!
เนื้อหานี้ อ่านแล้วเข้าใจง่าย ครับ
ผม ได้อ่านบทความที่เกี่ยวข้องกับ หัวข้อที่คล้ายกัน
สามารถอ่านได้ที่ เว็บ 75rh25
สำหรับใครกำลังหาเนื้อหาแบบนี้
เพราะอธิบายไว้ละเอียด
ขอบคุณที่แชร์ คอนเทนต์ดีๆ นี้
และอยากเห็นบทความดีๆ แบบนี้อีก
What’s up, I check your blogs regularly.
Your story-telling style is witty, keep up the good work!
Howdy just wanted to give you a quick heads up
and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading properly.
I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both
show the same outcome.
Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up
and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading properly.
I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue.
I’ve tried it in two different web browsers and both show the same results.
I know this web page gives quality depending content and
additional data, is there any other website which provides these kinds of information in quality?
Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all people you actually recognise what you’re talking about!
Bookmarked. Kindly also discuss with my web site =).
We will have a link alternate arrangement between us
you’re in point of fact a just right webmaster.
The website loading speed is incredible. It seems that you’re doing any
distinctive trick. Also, The contents are masterpiece.
you have performed a great task on this topic!
คอนเทนต์นี้ น่าสนใจดี ค่ะ
ผม ได้อ่านบทความที่เกี่ยวข้องกับ เนื้อหาในแนวเดียวกัน
ซึ่งอยู่ที่ tkb333
เผื่อใครสนใจ
เพราะให้ข้อมูลเชิงลึก
ขอบคุณที่แชร์ เนื้อหาดีๆ นี้
จะรอติดตามเนื้อหาใหม่ๆ ต่อไป
Whats up this is kinda of off topic but I
was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code
with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding skills so I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
I used to be recommended this blog by means of
my cousin. I’m not sure whether or not this publish is written through him
as no one else realize such targeted approximately my difficulty.
You are amazing! Thank you!
You made some good points there. I looked on the net for more information about the issue and found
most people will go along with your views on this site.
After exploring a handful of the articles on your website,
I seriously appreciate your technique of writing
a blog. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be
checking back in the near future. Please check out my website as well and
let me know what you think.
It’s wonderful that you are getting thoughts from this article as well as from our dialogue
made at this place.
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and
wanted to mention that I’ve really loved browsing your blog posts.
After all I’ll be subscribing in your feed and I am hoping you write once more very soon!
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for Chicken road
I’m curious to find out what blog platform you have
been working with? I’m having some small security problems with my latest blog and I’d like to find something more secure.
Do you have any solutions?
Backbiome is an advanced daily wellness supplement formulated to help support spinal comfort, reduce feelings of built-up tension, and promote freer, smoother movement throughout backbiome everyday life.